Thursday, November 04, 2010

The Roller Coaster Ride of Life

Whenever it is possible, a boy should choose some occupation which he should do even if he did not need the money. ~ William Lyon Phelps

J and I have been together for not quite three years now. In that time, we've managed to fit in nearly every major stressor in life there is between the two of us.

Marital Separation and Divorce - checkDeath of a Family Member - checkIllness - checkIllness of family member - checkMarriage - almost checkJob Dismissal - check, check, and check (we thought we'd do this one three times)Addition of a new family member - check

We often joke that if the early stages of our relationship can survive what it has so far, it can survive anything.

Once again, we've been hit with another one. This time it was my own job loss. Our company was bought by another and, well, we all know that old refrain: Out with the old, in with the new. My co-workers and I discovered on Tuesday that we were the old. Which is funny, because I don't feel that old...

But since I like to find silver linings and drink from a glass that's half-full as opposed to half empty, I've decided to look at it as extra opportunity to fit in more writing time. An even greater chance of meeting my 50,000 Nano word count.

Granted I still have to look for a job during this time, preferably one that won't force me to commute across the harbour in the mornings and cut off my writing time. If nothing else, losing my job has made me realize just how important my writing is, because the first thought in my head wasn't, "Oh no, I need to find another job right away!" It was, "I need to find a job that doesn't interfere with my writing time."

I think most important to me is not the pay cheque I end up bringing home, but that the job fits my life and maintains a balance of what is most important to me. No one wants to work in a job that makes them miserable. Life is too short.

14 comments:

Kelly - I think you and J have taken all your hits! I really do believe things will work out for you job-wise, and no question things are going great -- and will only get better -- for you with your writing career!

I know how you feel! The company where I worked was bought out too and after 8 months of misery, I finally quit and got another job. The new job is okay, but I miss my old job before the sale. It is a transistion for sure. Hang in there!

I know most people wouldn't think that having the check marks on that daunting list would be a good thing. But if you've been through it all even before you say 'I do', you know just how good you are together.

I love your criteria for your new job. There are many people who have to seek out a job that fits child care, etc. into their day or they can't consider taking it. Your new employer will just have to realize where it fits in the scheme of things. It's just business, after all - no hurt feelings.

You're rolling with the punches beautifully, Kelly. Your relationship will have been tested and true when you tie the knot. As for the job, I'm a firm believer that these things happen for a reason. Something better will come along. Meanwhile, the glass is half full! Enjoy NaNo.